ATTITUDE FOR SUCCESS!
by Pastor Lem Niere
“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God”
1 Corinthians 4:1
We live in a world that loves to take it easy. We want instant results—and we want them right now. Technology has made almost everything instantly accessible. Our entire Western lifestyle is centred around making things as easy, fast, effortless, and painless as possible.
The younger generation is so accustomed to getting everything they want that they don’t understand there is a price to pay for true success. But whether we like it or not, the fact remains: True greatness, great achievements, and real success won’t float on clouds that suddenly materialise above our heads. If anyone wants to achieve something great and significant, he or she will have to put a lot of hard work into making it happen.
Apart from Jesus Christ, the apostle Paul, I think, has dramatically affected Western civilisation than any other human in history. Paul achieved incredible feats with his life. His epistles have impacted world history and leaders, and what he accomplished in his life and ministry remains legendary.
How did Paul live his life? What kind of attitude did he possess regarding his mission? What attitude did he possess that enable him to dramatically affect his world? In our verse for today, Paul calls himself a minister, huperetas in Greek. They were officially called “under-rowers” because they lived and rowed down in the bottom of the ship. Their job was to heave those massive oars forward and backward, pushing them through the water to make the ship move.
God has called us to take our place in His plan—to grab hold of an oar, so to speak, and begin to serve Him practically in some way. We are to keep rowing, rowing, and rowing, doing our part and fulfilling what He has asked us to do.
Some people tend to sit and watch as achievers reach out to do the impossible. But if you are going to join the ranks of those achievers, you’ll have to do more than just sit around and talk about it. You’ll need to say yes to what the Lord is urging you to do.
And remember, these huperetas who rowed the boat didn’t quickly finish their assignment of rowing; it was their responsibility for a lifetime. In the same way, we need to realize that the secret dream God has put in our hearts probably won’t be achieved quickly either. IT may be an assignment that will last for the rest of our lives. But keep on.
Mentally prepare yourself for a long-term stint at doing what God is calling you to do. Take your place at the rowers’ bench and row with all your might! With such obedience and faithfulness—you will come closer to your desired destination—the ultimate fulfilment of God’s plans and purpose for your life.
We live in a world that loves to take it easy and that delights in instant results. But in order to achieve the true greatness God desires for us, we will have to be determined, committed, and willing to do anything necessary to accomplish what He has for us.
